Suspect Who Used Baby Boy As Human Shield In Critical Condition After Deputy-Involved Shooting

COMPTON (CBSLA.com) — A shooting and pursuit suspect who allegedly used his 1-year-old baby boy as a human shield in a confrontation with sheriff’s deputies is in critical condition Monday, authorities said.

A sheriff’s lieutenant described Sunday night’s events a combined love triangle and attempted suicide by cop, which all started in the 2400 block of East 126th Street at about 11:15 p.m.

“He originally showed up at his ex-girlfriend’s house; her new boyfriend was at the house,” Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. John Corina told reporters at the scene. “He shot the new boyfriend in the face while the new boyfriend was sitting in his car.”

The new boyfriend is expected to survive his wounds, Corina said.

After allegedly shooting the new boyfriend, the suspect drove away from his ex-girlfriend’s home with their 1-year-old baby boy in the car. Deputies tried to stop the car, but the suspect refused to pull over and a short pursuit ensued, Corina said.

Eventually, the suspect drove back to his ex-girlfriend’s house, stopped the car in the middle of 126th Street, then exited, holding his baby with one arm and a revolver in the other, according to Corina.

Corina says the suspect pointed the revolver at the deputies, who did not fire because they were concerned for the baby’s safety. The suspect then allegedly tried to open the side door of his ex-girlfriend’s house but the door was locked.

At that door, the suspect fired one round at the deputies, Corina said.

The suspect then moved to the front door and tried to open it but it was also locked, he said. The deputies did not fire back either time the suspect shot at them because of fear of hitting the child.

The suspect’s ex-girlfriend opened the front door and took the baby inside. Once the mother had her child safely in the house, the suspect then pointed his handgun at the deputies, who then fired at the suspect, Corina said.